Marathwada has experienced three droughts in the past four years. During the last four Monsoon seasons, the region observed above normal rains just once during the year 2013 when Monsoon rains were surplus by nine percent over the region. However, both the years 2014 and 2015 failed miserably with 42 percent and 40 percent rainfall deficiency, respectively.
As far as rains are concerned, June shows a lot of variability. Also, a lot depends on the time of the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon over a particular region. June 2014 displayed a poor performance in terms of rain throughout the country. While the country observed 40 percent rainfall deficiency, Marathwada was 79 percent rain deficient in June. The region had recorded a mere 30 mm rainfall against the monthly average of 143.3 mm.
While the country observed Monsoon drought in 2015, rains in June displayed a fair performance. June rains were surplus by 16 percent, however, Marathwada was deficient by 17 percent with 118.3 mm of rain.
June 2016 has been a mixed bag in terms of rain. Southwest Monsoon arrived about ten days late over Marathwada. However, the region received good pre-Monsoon showers. In fact, during the first week of June, Marathwada recorded intense Pre-Monsoon showers of 28.7 mm against the average of 21.9 mm making it surplus by 31 percent.
During the second week of June, rainfall activity had reduced which is why the first week’s surplus was consumed. The third week of June started on a good note. In fact, good showers were observed between June 19 and 21. June 20 and 21 recorded double the amount of its normal rains.
As of June 24, Marathwada has recorded 102.4 mm of rain against 108.4 mm making it rain deficient by 5 percent. While the region remains marginally deficient, rainfall activity will pick up pace and chances are that the region may even record normal rains.
Currently, Marathwada is the best performing pocket of Maharashtra. In fact, Marathwada is the only sub-division in the state with rainfall deficiency in single digit. Now, good rains are expected over the Marathwada during the last few days.
In fact, while June rains are expected to remain below par, Marathwada could receive normal rains. In fact, Monsoon rains in Marathwada paint a promising picture for the region and conditions are expected to remain much better than the previous years.
Image Credit: aurangabadmetro.in
Please Note: Any information picked up from here must be attributed to skymetweather.com
